A world without violence; simple words that can delve into a persons mind and draw forth dreams and images that were hidden deep within the recesses of the mind. When I imagine a world without violence this one scene always jumps forth from my mind, something so simple that others may laugh. I imagine myself walking. Ever since I can remember I have always dreamed of grabbing my coat from the closet and setting forth from the security of my house, walking to wherever my legs will lead me. I would jog in the early morning, watching my breath puff out from my chapped lips, to see the sun rise. Then I would walk down Main Street after school, absorbing the atmosphere the throb of people radiated. But the most wonderful scene that I imagine is leaving in the darkness of the night to dwell in the lights of the city alone. I would venture into every dark corridor, I would greet all who I passed with a kind hello and smile, and when the clock stroked midnight I would laugh into the starry sky, swirling at the joy and freedom I felt. And I would do this all without fear. It seems like such a simple gesture, but for me it would mean everything. More than once I have had the spontaneous urge to do as my desires wish but the fear of what may happen freezes me in my tracks.

A world without violence would allow me to let go of burdens I carry upon my shoulders. I could trust the male species more, finally allowing myself to open up. This is also something I fear, for I would have to release the anger and resentment that boils beneath the surface of my skin for the other sex. I would have to forgive my father and cousin for all the pain they have caused me, and thus relinquishing a part of myself and what I believe shaped me into the person I am, the person I will become. For without violence the world is less motivated to better them. And without motivation not much is accomplished.

As much as people may hope for a world without violence, in my heart, I do not see it ever becoming a reality. For everyone harms someone else, intended or unintended, and this leads for anger and resentment to form in the mind of the wounded and they in turn tend to lash out. It is a chain reaction that continues, spreading its virus. And there are many of these chains, the roots of them all different. It may be the beliefs of a person, or the environment they were raised in, or simply the common case of the human race not understanding each other and refusing to take the time to. But this is not to say that the efforts to end violence are fruitless. If anything, I respect and admire them the most. For it is forcing people to change their views, to understand each other, respect every life, and perhaps let go of the past and the pain. With these efforts the negative views on violence strengthen and the statistics on it slowly plummet. Perhaps then, one day in the far future, I will venture forth into the darkness of the night without fear to laugh at the stars. Until then I can only dream.